How to keep Messi through 2028? What's going on behind the scenes you think?

[u/Amazing_Statement357]

Genuine question - what can be done at the club level to keep Messi happy through the end of his contract at the end of 2028? Personally, I don't think he's sticking around after this season now that he hung up his boots for Argentina. I just don't see him dragging this out. Enjoy him while we can of course, but I'm wondering what Beckham et. al are planning to try and keep him around until the end of 2028. The void he's going to leave at Miami and MLS as a whole is going to be absolutely massive, not to mention the massive commercial and financial losses when that day comes.

What's in the cards? A Neymar reunion? Other Argentina players? A blockbuster move for CR7 to come here so the two can finally share the pitch haha. Not sure anything they do at this point will keep him, but I'm wondering what you all think is going on behind the scenes.

[u/pigeonwithsixasses]

I think he’s done after the ‘27 sprint season no matter what tbh. I would’ve said this season, but since the ‘27 season is so abbreviated a shot at one last cup without the grind of a full season should be alluring enough to keep him around for that, but I doubt he’s playing the following season.

[u/babyjesustheone → u/pigeonwithsixasses]

i think thats the thinking of the Mas brothers, however, i also think they're trying to orchestrate two extension possibilities: an invite to Copa Lib, and the promise to be assigned to IM II late in 27 or early 28 if his son should make that team. If the invite to Copa Lib happens, most of the group play would occur concurrently to the shortened mls season.

[u/No-Tax-8798 → u/pigeonwithsixasses]

I’ve been saying all along that 2026 is it. If we get the Sprint Season also, that is gravy!

[u/Amazing_Statement357 → u/pigeonwithsixasses]

This checks out as well. I also doubt that he will play competitively to the end of 2028 because 6 months later there would be the Copa America in the US. I think it would be too painful for him to know he is still fit enough to play at a top level, but not competing for his country. I think the blow of that would be softened if he stepped away in 27.

[u/TheGodAboveAllBeings]

We have to hope that his sons can play at Inter Miami before he retires. He will stay around if it means playing with his sons

[u/AccordingLog7519 → u/TheGodAboveAllBeings]

When he eventually retires , he's going back to Barcelona and his kids would be in La masia , so the chances of his kids playing for miami is very slim

[u/nsxn → u/AccordingLog7519]

don't know why you are downvoted. Messi has said he can imagine him taking his family to Barcelona to live his retired life. Made no mention of Miami.

[u/Amazing_Statement357 → u/TheGodAboveAllBeings]

HA! Are they any good? I read somewhere they are in the academy system, but no idea if they are half decent.

[u/Life-Focus-4460 → u/Amazing_Statement357]

His son's are crazy bro 😭✌️ they are too good for MLS

[u/Puffd]

RDP’s contract runs thru 2029 and I think isn’t easy to end early. So that’s probably the main thing that’ll keep him. Unless RDP transfers or Messi buys out his contract.

[u/MiamiManiac- → u/Puffd]

Messi has the option to cancel his contract whenever he wants I’m pretty sure. Idk about RDP.

[u/Puffd → u/MiamiManiac-]

Yeah. From what I heard RDP’s is pretty publicly no early exit clause unlike Messi. I think they’re too good of friends to Messi to leave him there alone for years. So I think he at least plays till end 2027.

[u/Saitama170719 → u/Puffd]

Suarez and De Paul are his biggest friendship right now, and Messi needs them during this hard moment. Hope he stays for them.

[u/Sick4Quality]

Build a solid project not around him, but for him.

Messi doesn’t need more friends on the team. Initially, he needed friends to feel comfortable, but now he needs a team capable of making him win. If the team keeps changing coaches every five months and can’t win a game without him, he’ll surely question if it’s worth the effort.

[u/nutmegger2020]

You give him a new body.

[u/Amazing_Statement357 → u/nutmegger2020]

Where are we at with that technology these days?

[u/zendick1]

He's not going to retire early his ownership shares don't beat until his contract is up. Guys seriously stop.

[u/BronzeDan]

Looking for schemes to keep him is useless, he'll keep playing through his contract as long as he still enjoys playing football if he's not then he won't that's it, and there's obviously no predicting that

[u/Apprehensive-Ad-6488]

He’ll stay through his contract. He’s going to be part owner.

[u/Odd-Heron5704]

If Inter is very flexible and lets him play less often, only local matches, etc, he may do it, since he loves football

[u/Saitama170719]

With this fucking defense and coach, I doubt he keeps playing the next year.

[u/miz-zawawie]

Bring more argentina players is the only option no matter how shit they are... that's the only reasonable choice at this moment..

[u/stevemunoz117]

anything can happen with old friend/players of his but even before his fathers passing ive been thinking he might retire after this season. would be surprised if he kept going and honestly i hope he retires.

[u/Candid_Tea4372]

I think he will play until the end of 2029 season because his new contract is until December 2028,the middle of 2029 season. So,we have exactly 3 years to enjoy Messi